How To Lay Laminate Flooring With Skirting Boards

How to Lay Laminate Flooring with Skirting Boards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and affordability. Installing laminate flooring with skirting boards can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's important to follow the proper steps to ensure a professional-looking finish.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you lay laminate flooring with skirting boards:

1. Preparation

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a measuring tape, a pencil, a utility knife, a tapping block, a pull bar, and a variety of spacers. You'll also need underlayment, laminate flooring planks, skirting boards, and nails or screws.

Start by cleaning the subfloor and removing any debris. Install the underlayment to provide a cushion and moisture barrier for the laminate flooring.

2. Laying the First Row

Start by measuring the width of the room and cutting the first plank to fit. Use spacers to ensure a consistent gap between the wall and the plank. Tap the plank into place using the tapping block and pull bar. Continue laying the first row, cutting planks as needed to fit around obstacles.

3. Staggering the Joints

To create a more natural look, stagger the joints between the planks. Start the second row by cutting a plank in half and laying it next to the first plank in the first row. Continue laying the second row, alternating the start and end points of the planks.

4. Installing the Skirting Boards

Once the laminate flooring is installed, you can install the skirting boards. Measure and cut the skirting boards to length, mitering the corners for a seamless fit. Use nails or screws to secure the skirting boards to the wall and the floor.

5. Expansion Gap

Laminate flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, it's important to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Use spacers to ensure a consistent gap of about 1/4 inch between the wall and the flooring.

6. Finishing Touches

Once the skirting boards are installed, you can remove the spacers and install any transition strips or moldings as needed. Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any debris and enjoy your new laminate flooring.